Odisha: STF seizes 4 leopard skins, 7 arrested

On the basis of intelligence input of clandestine business being carried out in Kuchinda region of Sambalpur district, a team headed by Deputy Superintendent Bilasini Nayak raided and seized skin of four leopards.

None of them could produce licence or authority to support possession of leopard skin with them. As they were found violating sections 9/39/44/49/49-B of Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972, they are liable under the sections 379/411/120(B) of the Indian Penal Code and section 51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972, according to a police statement.

Those arrested are being interrogated to find out the involvement of other criminals having interstate ramification. Necessary legal action is being taken against the accused persons, the statement added.